the clear liquid that falls as rain, fills rivers, lakes and seas, and that people, animals and plants drink to live
After jogging, Maria drank a bottle of cold water to cool down.
The baby splashed happily in the shallow water of the garden pool.
✦ Old English *wæter*, from Proto-Germanic *watar, related to German *Wasser* and Dutch *water*.
to pour or give water to plants, animals or land so that they do not become dry
Every evening, Ravi waters the roses in his garden.
Don’t forget to water the houseplants while I’m away.
the sea, river, or lake that surrounds or belongs to a particular place, often used in the plural form “waters”
Pirates were captured when they sailed into the territorial waters of the country.
The warm waters of the Caribbean attract many tourists every year.
if your mouth or eyes water, they produce liquid because you smell or see delicious food, or because of emotion, pain or irritation
The aroma of freshly baked bread made my mouth water.
His eyes watered when the cold wind blew in his face.
water that covers an area of land which is usually dry, caused by heavy rain, a river overflowing, or a burst dam.
Villagers had to evacuate when the floodwater reached their homes.
The floodwater receded after two days, leaving mud everywhere.
✦ Early 19th century: formed as flood + water.
water that covers an area of land which is usually dry, caused by heavy rain or a river overflowing
Rescuers used boats to reach homes surrounded by the rising floodwaters.
The powerful floodwaters swept away cars and damaged bridges.
✦ From flood + waters, first appearing in the early 20th century.
water containing little or no salt, typically found in rivers, lakes, and streams.
Most of the world's freshwater is locked in glaciers.
The river provides clean freshwater for the village.
✦ From fresh ("not salty") + water.
living in, found in, or consisting of water that contains little or no salt.
Freshwater fish need special aquariums.
Salmon return to freshwater streams to lay eggs.
